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Business casual is the vaguest dress code there is — here are 15 outfits that always land it correctly.
My top pick: Business casual means polished but not stiff. These 15 combinations clear that bar without requiring a suit.
1. Blazer and Straight-Leg Trousers
The core business-casual formula in a neutral colour. Shop blazer trousers set women on Amazon →
2. Knit Vest Over Shirt
A knit vest layered over a collared shirt. Shop knit vest women layering on Amazon →
3. Silk Blouse and Tailored Pants
A fluid blouse tucked into structured trousers. Shop silk blouse women work on Amazon →
4. Midi Skirt and Fine-Knit Sweater
A midi skirt with a tucked lightweight knit. Shop midi skirt women work on Amazon →
5. Turtleneck and Wide-Leg Trousers
A slim turtleneck balanced by wide-leg pants. Shop turtleneck wide leg trousers women on Amazon →
6. Shirt Dress With Belt
A shirt dress cinched with a leather belt. Shop shirt dress women belted on Amazon →
7. Cardigan Over Shell Top
A longline cardigan over a simple shell. Shop longline cardigan women work on Amazon →
8. Ponte Pants and Blouse
Stretch ponte pants that read as tailored. Shop ponte pants women work on Amazon →
9. Blazer and Dark Denim
A structured blazer with clean dark jeans. Shop blazer dark denim women on Amazon →
10. Sweater Dress and Boots
A knit dress with tall or ankle boots. Shop sweater dress women work on Amazon →
11. Loafers
Leather loafers as the default work shoe. Shop loafers women work leather on Amazon →
12. Structured Tote
A tote that fits a laptop and still looks smart. Shop structured tote bag laptop women on Amazon →
13. Simple Gold Jewelry
Small studs and a fine chain. Shop gold stud earrings chain set on Amazon →
14. Trench Coat
A classic trench for commuting. Shop trench coat women classic on Amazon →
15. Pointed Flats
Pointed-toe flats for long days on your feet. Shop pointed toe flats women on Amazon →
The bottom line
A blazer with straight-leg trousers is the safest business-casual outfit in existence. A knit vest over a shirt is the current update, and loafers work with all of it.